Global Lithium Supply Chain and ESG - Opportunities and Challenges

At the CLNB 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Chain Expo - Battery Raw Materials Forum hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), Martin Ma, China GM of the International Lithium Association, shared his insights on the topic of "Global Lithium Supply Chain and ESG - Opportunities and Challenges."

Demand Drivers

Improving air quality and human health; Zero-carbon goals (decarbonized economy); Electric vehicles (EVs); Energy storage solutions (ESS);

Lithium has become a core element in climate policies and energy transition strategies aimed at achieving global decarbonization.

Energy Revolution

We are experiencing a revolution, not a transition.

According to media data from 2024, energy storage systems have increased by over 5000% in the past decade; global EV sales have grown by 5200% in the past decade; solar deployment has increased by 900% in the past decade; and wind power deployment has increased by 200% in the past decade.

Batteries underpin all of this.

Global Lithium Battery Demand

According to media data, despite the current sluggish performance of the lithium market, global lithium battery demand is expected to see significant growth over the next decade. From 2024 to 2030, global lithium battery demand is projected to increase by 209% compared to 2024.

Rapidly Growing Lithium Market - Challenges

● New ESG guidelines and regulations

● New lithium resources and geographical regions

● ISO-TC333 lithium standards

● Refining technologies and DLE

● New-type battery active materials - cathode, anode, electrolyte

● Batteries with higher energy density

● Price discovery - CME, LME, GFEX, Abaxx, quotes, etc.

● New end-use markets - electric mobility, ESS, robotics, etc.

● Recycling

Global Automotive Policy Announcements

Key US and EU Regulations

US:

►Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 2022

►Defense Production Act 1950 (Enhanced) 2022

►Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 2021

►Energy Act 2020 (Critical Materials)

EU:

►Battery Regulation 2023

►Critical Raw Materials Act 2023

►Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence

►EU Lithium Chemicals Reclassification (CLP)

►EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities

China: "Peak Carbon by 2030, Carbon Neutrality by 2060" Goals

Summary

The lithium industry is developing rapidly and will continue to grow in the coming years.

The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) trends are clear and positive. We all need to take responsibility to create and maintain a healthy lithium market.

The International Lithium Association is the global representative voice for the entire lithium value chain.

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